Work and travel in
America or Canada
Spend your summer holiday exploring North America, making lifelong friendships and gaining invaluable CV-enhancing skills Summer Camp USA is a low cost programme offering you the chance to be a role model to kids as a camp counsellor Work Canada provides you with a flexible working visa – exclusively available through BUNAC Work America allows flexible work and travel anywhere in the USA
For more information visit
KAMP sets you up with a summer placement in the USA helping with the day-to-day running of a children’s camp.
www.bunac.org
Find out more at a LONDON presentation Work Canada 19th May 2009, 3pm Please call (020) 7251 3472 to book your seat at these FREE talks held in the BUNAC office.
020 7251 3472 enquiries@bunac.org.uk
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TM
Editor: Ben Moxey
News: Sub Editor: Donna Law Contributors: Mara Arts Raj Patel
Features & Arts: Sub Editor: Mike Ryder Contributors: Jatin Patel Jorge B. Shane Jinadu Amy Thacker Mara Arts Helen Murdoch Joe Sommerlad Adam Boix Charlotte Murphy Alexander Straker Camilla Robinson Amankwa AnnorbahSarpei Manvir Mudhar Tanvi Vyas
Sport: Sub Editor: Ben Vallely Contributors: William Nchanjala Laura Smith Kayla Garland Dan Ross Jason Littlefield Alison Louise Kenny Ryan Lewis Leon Carter
Design: Sarah Francis If you’d like your name to appear here, get in touch with the editor at media.officer@brunel.ac.uk
Editorial
el the Brun ers and d a re e nd you th oured a Finally, to een hon b e v a h nity: I r two Commu ident fo say Student our Pres d may I y n a n e e e wn n b o ry this t you do to have o to eve Nurb of ve not le umbled e a h L h Well hell f I o e n p o io h oxey . The last edit can only ed to M ade you e to the years. I u are us ises I m o welcom m y ro w p dly o g n e Ik lled th openin ndoubte ic year! and fulfi ity are u rs in this e rs d e Academ n iv has o n s w U tive ct and it edition of this his itera at intelle students n me this re e g f iv o g working you. , g ly ring in as kind ssionate resentin last offe ique, pa but his h ures rep y n , s u it a m b le e m p b ove a f ll g atest o s and m s, it sha rb. ll dream n the gre u a e e’ as, ala N e m m b e s o L o lc f n e ‘w dream eserve. edition o ut you all d e you all st yet, b ity to an p h c ju o ic a l h h a p I n a w c o any things ; o emoti d up to f thanks ot get to rward an points o I shall n fo w fe a e mak ce with ould like uch spa ting and . firstly I w up to m re-inven e t , k s g il ta in h t ft say this w o li t I shall is year, I shall n xey, for u th o b , M rb re n u e e N h To B of Le y time rson I am e nature one a ries of m e the pe th d o m g e m e in v e d n a a m e h You broad tand n has m cement. riters, e unders Brunelia g on pla ibuting w helped m Being a tr d n n o a c all also bein d e s this I h sculpte s To all th and for y. It has job bro! ith storie a re d g w tu s in to fu e rl a g y te a re s e do in m d the p I am su well don splashe r point, I wish to t, e e t s v a th re a h o h w te n o a in f wh at ful. On sure o nd of gre er grate aybe un , funny a be forev ng and m ri e id inspiring s do n u are co ld like to u want to lot of yo rb, I wou what yo u N e say too! L m ar, in All I can away fro . This ye Brunel. rs te s Moving c o p ffi o lls us f elected , “You do ociety te y team o usly said o is this; s m thank m fa g e have a tak en need to uther Kin , has be ircase to that we ta s my eyes e route Martin L r ti en by step d see the trong n; a step s ficult an to la if p d m d a e th e e o r b hich is h, d not n eam hig t to our futures w l and I r a fu D s th . s ” ll e p c a c d ste su nd there an the first ached a uite hall get s never bre u o cannot q y elieve e ev nestly b enough and beli yours... e um! I ho b k l n u il B summon w . you ly lief that religious wish for ves to n and be io followed s you can t s a superlati p e all tha ve the ill becom if you ha ow ular, to w h t ic u a e rt o b a th y ri p , c , g des n. In thin said e all bee ve some famously en you hav er King will achie ve all be th a u h L u brilliant in o e to rt y m Nick; ionalis staircas t to. Ma Raj and , profess e entire you wan h th c a e e ro s Natalie, g p e ot hav m stron your ap t need to I could n igh, drea bable in u do no . h ri o s c Y s m “ le e a ro d re r in at you nds rds you step”. D and all th good frie ion towa the first re s e e rs s k e a th c p ta t e ffi d an of o shall g f tter team eve you ll three o for a be and beli urs. ll miss a a h s I wished d ill be yo n ing taff, who d with a ish for w s e w S rk ld imply be o B u w U o c nel, for s to have ru can. The B n u a r o e m y v a Thank and ne uch as o years you as m . You me for tw s g h n it ri e!!!! w e p ff tu dd’ o Awesom have pu etimes ‘o I m l o d s n a y m le e’ Pate d at tic peop quavere final tim d fantas e n h a t g r in o /09 the Jay ‘f ardwork /08-08 appy in all are h ente 07 ve, but h od ship a o id le g s e e to r th d P sa El to keep shall be all here you are e g d le w d). kno oard – E at (All ab UBS aflo
Contents Le News Interview with Vice Chancellor A dream: To dance Separated Diversity My Brunel Experience A home away from home Le Arts
2 3 4 6 7 8 10
A Student’s Life The colourful road to success Travel Looking back Le Sport Sport for all
14 16 18 19 20 24
Le News Tokyo comes to Oxford Circus
mobility access to the DJ booth.
By Mara Arts
• There will be completely new furniture and colour
London’s busiest crossing is getting a make-over this year.
schemes throughout
As a part of the improvements that are going to take place in the whole West End, Oxford Circus will undergo a £5m
VP services and marketing Raj Patel said “We are really
redevelopment project. The main change will take crossing
excited about the changes going ahead this summer. It has
pedestrians diagonally over the junction as well as straight ahead.
been a long time in preparation, as we have tried to ensure that
This design is taken from busy Tokyo crossings. The London
some of the current problems we experience in the club are
council is redesigning the West End in order to make it look its
alleviated in the new design. One of the key features for me is
best before the fantastic 2012 Olympics. The new Oxford Circus
that we will be able to separate areas of the venue to allow a
is planned to be finished before the Christmas lights are switched
smaller, more intimate clubbing experience for private parties and
on this November.
smaller events, where attendances are lower and can provide the space without compromising the atmosphere. Enabling our
Academy’s Facelift!
members to queue in the atrium for a pyjama party rather than in
Raj Patel
the wind and rain has also got to be a plus point!
The Academy nightclub on campus is due a significant refurbishment over the summer with the following key changes:
We are also proud that the majority of the cost of this project has been covered by money we have put aside over the last few
• The entrance will be moved to the Atrium so customers can queue in the warm and out of the rain!
years from the bars profits, so in this time of economic uncertainty we are able to fund this project ourselves and are not
• The problematic dance floor and slate flooring will be replaced
having to borrow the money from either the bank or to the University.
• A soft seated VIP area will be created • The space around the top bar will be expanded and
In the next couple of weeks the UBS will be publishing some
glazed to ease congestion and create a smaller “club within a
visuals of what the new Academy will look like and what returning
club”
students can look forward to in September. Keep your eyes on
• The DJ booth will be reshaped and the staircase adapted to ease congestion and to allow full
The G20 By Mara Arts of April In the early days to a G20 London was host rs of the 20 de lea summit. The untries [well, most powerful co
www.brunelstudents.com for the most up to date information.
rld gathered 19 really] in the wo s the together to discus . This rn tu economic down spend to an pl resulted in the new on rs lla do over 1 trillion trillion (A s. re su economic mea es!) Those 20 is a 1 with 12 zero out a ‘historic’ leaders spoke ab ‘unprecedented summit, and an
ldof was less deal’. Sir Bob Ge ndered if this positive, as he wo help the plan was going to countries. poorest African ts weren’t too Green movemen ey point out pleased either; th does not that the new deal environmental include any new plans.
interview
JAY PATEL INTERVIEWS PROFESSOR CHRIS JENKS, VICECHANCELLOR OF BRUNEL UNIVERSITY
Where did you study? I did my first degree in Philosophy and Sociology at Surrey University, all of my postgraduate work (including a teaching qualification) was in Sociology and took place at London University.
recruitment across all subject areas. We then put a whole series of other elements essential to a ‘research-intensive’ university into place, including study leave, inaugural lectures, research centres and so on. The RAE has provided Brunel with a focus, a shared motivation and a cohesive purpose.
When did you realise you wanted to Do you feel you have reached your become an Academic? I knew I would become a teacher when I was at targets? We have certainly reached our targets in this Grammar School and I decided that I wanted teach at a university. When I arrived at Brunel, it RAE, it would have been difficult to imagine us doing any better both in terms of quality and felt as if I was home. income.
Other than running the Uni, what do you do in your spare time? Other than running a University there is no time…however, for 30 years I was a very active rock climber and mountaineer. Now I like reading beyond higher education policy, fine art and watching cricket whenever I can find a day. I also like motor sport.
What do the results mean to the students?
The results of the RAE will enhance the student experience in a number of ways. First of all, the additional income will go into additional staffing and improved research facilities which will also improve teaching capacity and quality. Second, the RAE results will dramatically enhance the University’s status in the academic What exactly is the RAE? The RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) is an community both at home and abroad. This means that we will be more attractive to exercise designed by the Higher Education students, both undergraduate and Funding Council, steered by the Government, to assess the quality of research taking place in postgraduate and thus the quality of our student body will continue to improve. Also we universities across the UK, in all subject areas, will become more attractive to prospective staff and to allocate funding to support Quality and our staff retention, will improve which Research. It is this funding that has risen at means that students will be taught by higher Brunel by £4.6millon per annum, because of the increase in both the quality of our research, but and higher quality academics, who will stay longer and provide a greater continuity of also because of the greater number of academic staff that were entered this time. The experience. RAE has been going since 1986 and it now Where do you see the Uni going takes place every 7 years – this means that from here? your performance stays with you for 7 years both in terms of funding and kudos. Brunel will Where do we go from here? Well, onwards and experience a growth in each over the next 7 upwards. I am very ambitious for this years. University, we are upwardly mobile and we are moving fast. We are already planning for the 2015 RAE which will be called the Research How did we do in the last one Excellence Framework, where we will develop (2001)? rapidly towards high achievement in that In the 2001 RAE, Brunel only entered 61% of its exercise. I have already applied for membership academic staff, as opposed to the 89% in 2008, of the ‘1994 Group’ which is an association of and although we achieved high quality results in several areas, our volume was insufficient to universities located just under the ‘Russell Group’. They are all research intensive and very ensure a high level of funding. This time we successful – places like Exeter, Lancaster, entered 200 more members of staff and our quality has gone up right across the University. Queen Mary and East Anglia. This will give us a louder voice on the national stage and further enhance our reputation and standing. I would After these results, what like to explore further links with the University aspirations did you have for 2008’s of London and build a new Business School at RAE? the Eastern Gateway, opposite the Mary I joined Brunel in 2004 when it aspired to being Seacole Building. We will stabilize our student ‘research-led’ but it did not appear to me that population, improve our teaching and learning there was a clear strategy in place to execute facilities and systematically improve the quality this desire, but I had the autonomy to generate of our existing buildings. These are exciting one. We began by a systematic review of each times to be at Brunel! subject area assessing both overall research culture and individual performance. This was By Jay Patel, UBS president followed by a wave of strategic academic staff
A dream: to dance “Ok, take a deep breath. She just went over the routine. It’s straightforward, right? Hang on a minute, what was after the first four steps? Was it that twirl? No, wait, it was that jump thing and then you go straight down? Damn, I don’t remember. I’m sure it’ll come back to me. I’ll just watch the others. Plus, I’m at the back, so if I make a mistake no-one can really see me.” (Music starts: New Kids on the Block – Click, Click, Click)
thought I knew the next eight steps, so I joined in. I fell back and topple over the girl behind me, as if we were tiles in a game of dominos. Everyone stopped and looked at me. The music stopped and there was complete silence. My face went bright red. I could feel the beads of sweat dripping down my face and my heart began hammering twice as fast as the beat of music that was blaring from the speakers. So, that was one of my first street dance classes in September last year. No, not a great start, but hey, at least I tried. I love street dancing, but I never thought that I had the ability or the talent to be as good as all the other dancers I had seen in my class or on the TV. I remember the first time I saw someone street dance; it
“Ok here we go...1, 2, 3, 4 and back 2, was as if they were from another planet. I couldn’t keep 3, 4, and now what?” my eyes away. I wanted to glide and spin just like them,
I looked around and see everyone doing the routine perfectly, and me standing there like a puppet, waiting for someone to pull my string so I could continue. I
but I never thought it was possible. I used to look at my dream to dance in a floating cloud that was too far away to reach. That was until someone told me to never give up. Life is too short to be standing still and wanting
that dream. I would remain at that point forever. Instead,
journey. Nerves started kicking in and my stomach
fulfil it and take the first step.
would begin to hurl as I went on stage. However, as the shows progressed, so did my confidence. I’d go on stage
So, I joined Brunel Dance in September 2008. I had this rush of excitement and a pinch of anxiety. During my
dancing like a diva and didn’t care in the world who was watching.
first few classes, I felt like a robot; tense and uptight. I focused so much on the other dancers and the few
(Music starts: Remix of Beyonce – Single Ladies, and
people that watched us practice, rather than myself. As a Britney Spears – Gimme More) result I’d make mistakes. However, as time went on I
“Ok, here we go. This is your last show, give it your all and enjoy it! 1, 2, 3, expressing how you felt. The more I started to be myself, 4 and back 2, 3, 4...jump, twirl, go down the better I became at dance. and back up. Ok. This is going really well, I haven’t fallen over as of yet and I feel as Throughout the year, I made some amazing friends. I if I could dance here all night! Just the changed as a person. Dance made me confident and last few moves now; hop, arms in and out, made me believe that all things are possible when you spin round, move left and right, arms in take the first step in making a dream come true. the air and down. I did it!” began to loosen up like a ball of string. I let go. I realised that dance wasn’t about impressing; it was about
Months flew by, and (with a drum roll) it was time for
Brunel Dance Remix Show 2009. During the first couple of shows, I felt like I was at the start of my dance
By Manvir Mudhar
Separated Diversity? brace it ity and em rs e iv d ual king at but thin the individ d in my fl cause of e e v b li I w, e of ave and name a fe that we h ow, outsid to s n e s it ti e t ti ie u c ie o o c b s a my so ve ly despite Flat 30, I taring at es we ha necessari rey Hall, t o o As I sat s n m il K t felt at tim a th oint of , ny friends tting our inst the p r screen n’t have a em. By le id th d oved aga nd m compute spite to ocieties a people Black. De out what nts join s different t b e o g a d n in g tu g re s in n e k ri w b l thin eir e n me: the cultura romote th , everyon awned o reciating bs that p p ther. Sure lu p e c a g to write, it d e e in s ssing terests, w ance to b of all race ces addre ferences dividual in nts the ch if a in d w Most pie h ld wit l wou sequently Brunel ll of others in Brune have sub within the a group fu diversity e v m club a e h te I th u ro em into a rests as y, I know common mitted th d same inte ommunit a c e th take the le mp nder of for exa we are all ing so we re the wo in which en guilty e b but in do and explo e l p . he Brune rtain club trict the ty ivity of it mbers: T e oiding ce illingly res v m a w n u and posit re ay, e they we t we get I, in any w ty. ts becaus eople tha h p Not that ig f n o ” Socie y b, we oo White h diversit “t is r . o in h ” it im n w d In this clu oo Asia volved “t in intend to . e dge e m c ten orried acknowle shvious exis this has w pect and s d As a Briti n re a and its ob t nces as eem y firs ’t er’s differe h it may s , during m t I couldn g th n u u o a b o h e h l, c b T e a b n e ri Ca nd at Bru I am ilarities a hether runel I s our sim ve to say, wonder w a ti B t a ll t u g e a b e r w n a lp e e y h we pt to that ined the best way our attem ng this so so in the ediately jo ti o m ri d w im or not in ld at Brunel, nces it wou ow. Here s can wing that our differe h n o a n w te li k o e ra , n n b k S ru le C B A ce the ght bbeans ally be is one of ge our sli other Cari failed to re r diversity u cknowled o a be full of we have es to ally was t continu gs and re ans that I amongst things tha hortcomin s and Afric t a accepted ll th a rsity ould r and will lse’s. e the dive ssume w s togethe e c a u e ra to n ld b o o y m h d ry e a e re ev uch interests, ny years . Events s re a the same so for ma round us e a o v Yes, we a d a is h . nd pus – a institution and d Week a litan cam One Worl within the rs, stories a s a fe cosmopo e s e le th d st midd ve opene s as me ju on in the Global ha xperience e . little Lond k c la b – lotte l ll a wil d doors to we were By Char sex if you ially close rt a p because t a of Middle f th nd rity o gration a Murphy e various t the majo social inte I have me but with th h g e u th ro ote ly one of friends th that prom is definite my close societies nel. is re e d about Bru CS an iduality th at things ing the A re in g jo their indiv e d gate e end, om th ntly segre aration fr uess in th e g p u I e q s e a s n o o c als e of ey may s becaus y original ple that th er culture th despite m o same peo to g n ri b ave come n trying to ought, I h th this. have bee I , s s ha g in hall at Brunel em. While livin realise th towards th e th d f n nce o nds a celebrate White frie The existe en able to d e a b h y e use th bean, nds beca fro-Carib Asian frie Jewish, A nd LGBT Muslim a
ter n and ban ys. Great fu u g y tl s o been a tty m there have ier and pre h s g a u e o h c th u , d m all roun erything is d my ? I ev at tarnishe rt ta s I . n rd cidents th a a in c rw w o re tf ought fe e h h ig a str Well w ver! The th lexia s re y e fo v D d fi d in n e a m m nt ility Brunel so d innoce The Disab n makes helpful an came to ear kitche y lly ’ a rs re to e n h e e s e u e b of our fr , and d rvice have ll I made years ago s went se but all in a e the c r, e e n m d d ta g u s in h iv s m g me ircu d apart from m and various c and share bout to ork for the at friends a w re g to m e a y it I m n o . u s opport part time h ey have ences. uly (whic reat experi tra cash, th J g x e e in e m o nel m te s o a s earn gradu of the Bru I’ve meet new been part , e l) to v a a e e h m I rr d u le is seems s also enab o e much me, which learned s g program ivulge som d n d n ri d a to n n a d e e ts m g n t nts across chan stude any stude nd out of ation, whils m a rm to in fo le in b th e o ila sid ava ntral much, b needed in ng into ce arning so have also ity. Travelli ces and le d rs n n e e a ri iv e n s p u x re e e th I lectu sharing uctural eople, y mentor, many str to meet m out other p d b e n a v o r d re n cts, e o o s L m b o much bout rnal conta on the and also a build exte re s e to e h c d n s e e e g ri a g e n xp ma chan their life e ork on my ch campus. y CV and w vide so mu e m g ro e p d g v y ri in e ro b h p th x T e U im som t to meet myself. say it had urse, s. I also go o ill c k s y m w I’d like to h ie it w rted interv s. assistance when I sta hat is on campu ut it back beyond w g in o g e p s re students a ‘retro’ abo e o c m m s ti d e eI n m g la o y in s gre law degre urpass ith all that ired and s ughout my u ro q h re T n y a in 2004, w lly s a safe to run s, and eve technic ke things reat friend te. But it’s a g re m e c n m to o o s c s n d e o an lot tati mad core my expec ely been a were hard me, has definit e of them ssible for o m p o s s in a h t g n ly u e that there th o th w how to provem as smoo all still kne my e ent and im to w m , p rd s a lo le g e g v re a e of d much especially with legal e transferred mes campus is moved 3 ti me of them s and the I o a . S re n . a n o t ti s fu a o e e d m hav hav accommo rs did ou should ampus, the eye. Y away, othe s across c k c lo ! b p t m n easier on a nd moved re v a fe re if e d to have th to to re ho had t all seem rd befo w u a b b le , m p ts a o n e Is e p n m e see ke t th place at I can ta which kep h mething th s very muc Ed) o n s – o e d ti e m ta t re p h g a g ry d e (A tau e be n as ve provide a There hav ther nt Union w . o e e t d s m tu a h S le it e t w h a T , e d, but forward ood times started, th entertaine utilise them d not so g hen I first n to a W , d s t. e e n g a m re n ti e fe a b dif good students m ther grey to miss this pus was ra m going to I’ w o . n d k to e I s v t whole cam e bu all the ntranc after I mo st of my ke with me separate e o ta h m ll it r I’ w fo y. t, s it lls e a s hon via univers Living in h real e memorie hair users a taste of nces, all th us wheelc e e r ri m fo e e p v U x a S e g t e e e th rs grea law degre t required and of cou eing rs, lifts tha friendship ifference b d d n a ly n n o fu cellar doo e f h o degree ret nd uni life. T e that my nd top sec nd floor, a g a u d s ro le y g w e o k e n th ic k on mag say e. ll the that I was s were a I’m glad to s taught m y flatmate erience ha ons. Now, m ti p f x a o e in t b is s o m th o m c and therefore ere nds who w ie fr ir e th d guys an
MY Brunel By Tanvi Vyas
EXPERIENCE
A home away from home My heart was
neither of us
As much as I yearned to
hallucination of a proud,
find that the university
‘out’ Brunel from years ago.
LGBT - lesbian, gay,
I expected to see a
bisexual and transgender
tumbleweed drift past and a
union - was alive and
drag-queen sitting, weeping
kicking, I expected to find it
in the corner.
thumping as I
particularly fond of
opened the door. I
the choice of venue,
stepped in, my
neither of us with
boyfriend following
very high
me, neither of us
expectations.
deader than a flogged
Imagine my surprise
horse, another ghostly
when we were given the
sure what to expect,
warmest of welcomes:
people that night. I was
with these people I
quite what the LGBT at
handshakes, smiles and
immediately struck by
knew that I could be
Brunel will become, I’d
conversation all rolled
how diverse and
myself.
bet an awful lot of
into one. I hope I made
accepting the group is.
a good impression, but I
They’re a kind, funny
honestly couldn’t tell
and interesting lot, with
money that it’s going to That’s a feeling many often take for
take a prominent place in university life, make
you. I was dumbstruck
new and
“Being gay and out and open with others was not something I could do: with these people I knew that I could be myself.”
by this fortunate change of events, and overwhelmed by the urge to scream, ‘Where have you been all my uni life?’ We ordered drinks (whose names I shall not repeat) at the bar, and wandered nervously over to the back of the pub, where a large, vibrant group were seated, six different
questions, concerns
granted, but I certainly
and thoughts that
won’t be doing it again.
they’re willing to share
It took nearly two full
with you. They come
years, but finally I’m at a
from all over the
point where I feel my
country, indeed all over
student experience has
the world. They’re
finally begun. I met
studying everything
other people who made me
conversations all interweaving. We weren’t sure which one to jump
“I expected to see a tumbleweed drift past and a drag-queen sitting, weeping in the corner....”
into, so took the safe option and stole the couch. We weren’t allowed to maintain this temporary shyness for long. Instead, we were introduced to each and every member, all smiling and genuinely happy to meet us, and I could feel all my misconceptions melting away. That was the night I was introduced to, and became part of, the LGBT union at Brunel. It was also one of the most important nights I’ve had at university. I learnt a great deal about myself and other
accept and
possible, they’re into
appreciate myself for
music and sports, and
exactly who I am, just
just like many student
that little bit more. All
groups, they like to
the drinking, talking and
drink!
bingo (even though I didn’t win) was great,
But what really
but what really mattered
stuck with me, sat there
was that I’d found a
in a small, average pub
small, but brave, group
with excellent company,
of people, who I could
was that I’d found
talk to, learn from and
something at Brunel
support. And
that I’d always known
occasionally get drunk
was missing – an
with.
amputated limb in my student experience if
The university LGBT
you will. As opposed to
continues to grow, as I
feeling uncomfortable
knew that it would.
on campus, as though I
Something that good,
had to watch my back
with people that
because being gay and
interesting, can’t really
out and open with
help but multiply,
others was not
develop and evolve.
something I could do,
Although we’re not sure
encouraging contributions to the student experience, and as such transform the
impact Brunel has on people’s lives, and what they take away with them into the world. For those of any background or sexual orientation that want to take part in this thrilling experience, remember that it all began with a small group of hopeful students, in a small little pub. Come along on a Thursday evening, open the door, step inside and join us. I guarantee you’ll be greeted with handshakes, smiles, and conversations, and if you’re lucky, a lot of free drinks.
By Alexander Straker
Le ARTS Saving the Hedgehog
But still – in the last 3 or 4 years we’ve got some
By Jorge B.
fairly bland and boring levels, repetitive enemy formations,
It was 1991 and good ol' Nintendo unleashed a fury
the same bosses over and over, alongside ‘facepalm’-
of, now, iconic games into a market, crying out for a slice
inducing robot designs. The problem is that recently you'd
of quality: Super Mario World, F-Zero, the latest Zelda.
whack boost, boost and more boost to go fast, fast and
These games become ridiculously popular, leaving poor
more fast. This is not what Sonic's all about. You may as
old Sega to come up with a competing mascot. After
well be sitting there watching him run around by himself.
several KFC buckets, pints and maybe a few joints, game
In the older games, both 2D and 3D, you’d be able to go
designer Yuji Naka gave birth to the cheeky, hot-dog-
faster as a reward for knowing the level and being precise,
loving blue hedgehog – Sonic –now one of the most
but now it’s like travelling on auto pilot.
popular, and well recognised characters of today. The first four games on the Mega Drive (Genesis, to
Save the Hedgehog! Have 10 or so worlds split up into 3 levels each, unique enemies and bosses for each
you Yanks) were and are incredible. You briskly move from area and 4, 5 or so characters and a mixture of 2D and left to right, nabbing coins, bopping onto robot animals
3D. Sonic Unleashed (Xbox 360, Sony PS3, PS2 and
and you even get to beat up a fat, ginger fellow at the end Nintendo Wii) and Secret Rings (Wii) are a great step of it all. It’s almost unparalleled platforming (well of course
forward, and hopefully a sign of good things to come for
there’s still Mario, but we’ll leave that for another time); not the best darn hedgehog this side of Mobius. too fast, nor too difficult – a perfect blend. Like a cup of tea, with the right amount of sugar and milk. Oh and
The Boat That Rocked Review
chocolate biscuits.
By Mara Arts
As the years passed by and Sega needed some cash, Sonic grew older and his makers tried new tricks. Sonic 3D? No. Sonic R? Not too bad. Sonic the Fighters? Strange, but good. Sonic Adventure? Nice and warm. Sonic Adventure 2? Sizzling. For the most part, the
Length: 129 min **** (4 stars) Starring: Bill Nighy, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rhys Ifans, Jack Davenport and Tom Sturridge Director: Richard Curtis
Adventure duo are a great take on 3D, a little hard to control, but fun, and mostly works through good speed,
Days like these there isn’t much to laugh about. The
smart level design and an amusing story. Then came the
weather is completely unpredictable and the economy is
gimmicks. A gun? No thanks. Sonic Heroes? Gotta be
depressed. So when you decide to spend your last bit of
kidding. More recently he’s brandished a whopping huge
hard-earned in the cinema, what can be better than a
blade in Black Knight; it’s an interesting idea, but just
comedy set in the days when all was well? Or so Richard
doesn’t work!
Curtis (Love Actually) must have thought when he made
The hedgehog's also roamed the handheld world on
The Boat That Rocked, as it is set in the super-swinging
the PSP, DS and GameBoy Advance, and for the most
sixties; in 1966, to be precise, when rock and roll was
part they've cracked it: no gimmicks like guns or swords,
blooming with bands such as (of course) The Beatles, but
not stupidly fast, or snails' pace, and most importantly:
also The Kinks and The Who. The BBC however, only
fun.
broadcasted this outrageous modern music for 45 minutes a day, max. Soon, passionate rock and roll-DJs
They invented the Remix! By Amy Thacker
7th of On the 5th to the ea ll th tre came March, the Howe ht lights, ig alive with the br d amazing an thumping bass the Brunel in d talent presente Dance Show. mine Some friends of ginners’ Be e th recently joined invited d an b Street dance clu Show to e nc Da me along to the rm. For a very watch them perfo ticket, with the reasonable £3 a music and a promise of good bar I was there. “We With the theme of ix”, the show Invented the Rem an electric, was packed with ent of dancing eclectic assortm ics new and to remixed class
featured old. The opening different dancers from the onto the stage groups bouncing ne for the rest and setting the to say the of the evening. To roughout the styles of dance th e would be an night were divers In the first act, understatement. e performed on a raunchy routin ixed song chairs to the rem wed by a “Fever” was follo tin number. ballroom and La cluded salsa The show also in emporary, dances, tap, cont t, and jazz. Irish, street, balle and break g The body poppin larly cu dancing was parti gasps and g in impressive, evok routines. e th applause during show the e th From the start of g and in pp cla re audience we g the cheering, makin and fun. ely liv atmosphere
Luckily for me, e of the I had gone to on and I was s, ow weekend sh to see the fortunate enough The revealing “Football Strip”. m the football performance fro ly entertaining, team was certain ed that they and the boys show nd their skills have talent beyo on the pitch! e that a lot It was clear to se work had of effort and hard e dancers and been put in by th ing the Dance organisers; prov n-Competitive club’s title of No for 2007/2008 Club of the Year ed. And of to be well deserv oney raised course all the m went to RAG. great All in all it was a liceman, po to night. From pliés erything it the show had ev it a dazzling needed to make ment. night of entertain
found a solution by starting pirate
jealousy) but that is actually not too
masterpiece, but it’s definitely worth
radio stations on boats in the North
bad. The actors are obviously
seeing!
Sea. The Boat is set on such a ship,
enjoying their parts and the whole film
and tells the tale of the (slightly
breathes that male-friendship-feel. No
Slumdog Millionaire Review
fictional) radio station Radio Rock.
big drama, no emotional scenes. The
By Mara Arts
Carl (Tom Sturridge) is sent to his
Boat can be considered as the male
Length: 120 minutes
uncle by his mother (a small but lovely equivalent of Love Actually, since it is
**** (4 stars)
performance of Emma Thompson) to
more about sex than about romance
Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto,
learn proper manners. Quentin (Bill
and therefore probably bearable for
Madhur Mittal and Anil Kapoor
Nighy) happens to be the boss of
men. That’s not to say that women
Director: Danny Boyle
Radio Rock and instead of learning
will hate it; first and foremost we are
It seemed to appear from
manners, Carl learns all about sex,
talking about a very funny comedy
nowhere: a film with a fairly unknown
drugs and rock and roll from the
here. True, there are quite a few
cast, set in India, directed by a Scot.
colourful group of DJs on the boat.
superfluous scenes and the film is
That was late 2008. Come February
But there soon is trouble in paradise
longer than it could have been, but it
2009, and the 2009 Oscars, Slumdog
when the government decides to do
is never boring. The only thing that
Millionaire was the most talked-of film
whatever they can to shut down
bothered me was the excessive
of the season. It was nominated for
these sinful radio stations. When the
showing of people listening to Radio
10 Oscars of which it won 8: both
DJs decide to go on broadcasting no
Rock. Those shots became quite
actors and director shot to sudden
matter what, things turn quite nasty… annoying and slowed the pace of the Apart from the dramatic ending
movie down.
the whole film is positive and upbeat.
But apart from that, The Boat
No less than 62 songs are featured in
That Rocked is a positive film, packed
it, and the cast contains a whole lot of with good music and set in one of the big names. There are only a few
most upbeat eras of British history.
actresses involved (women are not
It’s a bit too spun out to be a
allowed on the boat to prevent
worldwide fame. All this publicity meant that when I went to see the movie, I knew a lot about the people involved, but hardly anything about the story. So what is the story? In a nutshell: boy from the slums of Mumbai becomes a contestant in the
Indian version of Who Wants To Be A
Because the film’s main themes
therefore no publicity for the
Millionaire? and knows all the
are family and love, everyone can
upcoming plays and lunchtime shows
answers. Because of this, he is
relate to it. This, combined with the
is ever given.
arrested on suspicion of cheating. As
upbeat ending, is probably why the
he explains to the policemen, we see
cinema was still packed even though
should join the Arts Centre or at least
fragments of his childhood
Slumdog had been running for 11
acknowledge the work that they do
experiences in which he learns the
weeks already.
and the effort that goes into the
answers to the questions. The police
To end with the big question: Is it
I propose that the School of Arts
productions they put on. I solemnly
release him and then the boy, Jamal,
really the best film of the year, as the
believe that given the right publicity
has to play for the final question of 20
Academy thought? Well, personally I
the Howell Theatre would be packed
million rupees, which is the climax of
think that it is quite impossible to pick
out on every night. So much work
the film.
one film a year as the ‘best one’, but
goes into these productions that I
Slumdog Millionaire is certainly in my
think it is a shame that the building is
top ten!
not packed out. For this production
I have to admit, it took me several months to go and see Slumdog Millionaire. As I said, I hardly
the cast spent days handing out fliers
knew anything about the story but
After Juliet Review
and trying to pre-sell tickets on their
what I did know, didn’t interest me
By Helen Murdoch
own time; if you are at all interested in
that much. But still, it had won all
It’s a well established rule that if
watching a musical or play then come
those Oscars, so it probably wouldn’t
you wanna mess around with
hurt to see it.
Shakespeare, then you better do it
Next year the Arts Centre will
right. Sharman McDonald’s “After
once again be putting on productions
I went to the cinema. I expected a
Juliet”, Brunel’s most recent
in the first and second terms, if you
romantic drama set in India. I got a
production, is a new take on the
are interested in participating then
film that combines a love story almost
classic tale of Romeo and Juliet; the
please go to the Arts Centre and
as dramatic as that of Romeo and
action centres on the aftermath of the
enquire. There is also lots of
Rarely have I been so happy that
next time.
Juliet, with the coming-of-age story of lovers suicides with their friends and
information on lunchtime and evening
a poor Indian boy, and with the
concerts. Or add ‘The Arts Centre’ on
classic story of two brothers growing
relatives being the focus of attention. Now, Shakespearean language
Facebook!
up and separating their ways. Even
isn’t for everyone, so thankfully the
better: all this was shot beautifully
play is written in modern prose with
“Elvis Perkins in Dearland”
and it had with a happy ending, too!
just a hint of the Bard. This play is
By Joe Sommerlad
(And who wouldn’t be cheered up by
also a lot funnier than the depressing
**(2 ½ stars)
the Bollywood-style dance that is
and ultimately tragic love story that
performed during the ending credits?)
we all know. The characters Gianni
towards Elvis Perkins. Having lost
The fact that Jamal takes part in Who
and Lorenzo intercut the drama of the
both of his parents in tragic
Wants To Be A Millionaire? makes the
play with bouts of comedy. These two
circumstances – his father Anthony,
whole thing exciting as well. Halfway
characters were played expertly by
star of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho
through the film I wanted him to win
modern drama student Solomon
(1960), passed away from AIDs-
so badly, I was on the edge of my
Onibeju and Drama/Film and TV
related complications in 1992 while
seat, quietly cheering him on.
student Laurence Johnson. Their
his mother died on board an
Although admittedly, I do that when
comic timing was perfect and I found
American Airlines plane during the
I’m watching the show at home too,
myself sitting in the front row trying to
September 11th attacks – Elvis is a
so that might just be me.
stifle my ‘cackle laugh’ which rarely
young man alone in the world and
comes out! I thoroughly enjoyed all
well-acquainted with sadness. His
Slumdog Millionaire is a film which
the performances by the cast and I
first album, the earnest Ash
tells us about a life in India and how
respect the energy that they all put in
Wednesday (2007), enjoyed broadly
hard it is for the poor to survive. But
to making this play a success.
favourable reviews but this follow-up,
For people with normal nerves,
there are a lot of laughs in it too, for
Watching this play I did find
It's hard not to feel sympathetic
Elvis Perkins in Dearland, is a
example when the young Jamal and
myself wondering why it was that
disappointingly ho-hum affair.
his brother give a German couple a
Brunel does not publicise these
tour around the Taj Mahal, claiming
events and give funding to the Arts
Wednesday offered pleasingly simple
that it is actually a hotel with a state-
Centre. Some of you may not know
acoustic arrangements, Perkins is
of-the-art swimming pool!
that the School of Arts has no
joined here by what sounds like an
affiliation with the Arts Centre and
entire high school music department
While Ash
and the results are mixed. At times there is plenty to like.
he goes one better: “I don't mind if you dream out loud”.
The regimental drumming of a marching band or the
Ouch. You can practically here the boys down in
sudden interruption of brass blaring out of the darkness
marketing clicking their cold dead fingers appreciatively
enliven proceedings no end and evoke the atmospheric
and reaching for the phone. From here, Dearland lurches
folk theatre of the Decemberists. At others, Perkins'
on aimlessly through the Big Book of Twee Imagery,
accompaniment becomes too cluttered and succeeds
starting with blacksmiths and on to hummingbirds,
only in dwarfing his trembling vocals (somewhere between rainbows and trees. Such haggard old tropes serve only Win Butler and Ray Davies), which gives the record an air
as meaningless set-dressing and add nothing. By the time
of desperation. The poor lad seems to have thrown
a genuinely interesting image is conjured, such as “the
everything he can think of into the studio in the wild hope
abacus of the rain” on '123 Goodbye', it's too late.
that something might strike a chord. Dearland opens for
Everyone's gone home and the janitor is stacking chairs.
instance, with a jungle noise soundscape that has no bearing on the proceeding song and is never returned to. The real problem here is that Perkins
From the son of Norman Bates with a pure Sun Records name, I had hoped for something a little more deranged and raucous than this. Although Elvis
simply has very little to say for himself. 'Hours Last Stand'
Perkins in Dearland has some nice moments amidst the
and 'Doomsday' are his best efforts by a country mile.
confusion, I just wonder if the world really needs another
The latter finds him pondering eternity and asking, “Do
album like this and am inclined to think not. A shame to
you let it bother you?” He is defiant and even satirical
add to Elvis' woes but it had to be said.
here: “Though you voted for that awful man I would never refuse your hand”. Elsewhere though, Perkins seems utterly at a loss. The bogus poetry starts early and gets worse, not least in 'Shampoo' where he actually bothers to pronounce: “Yellow is the colour of the sun”. On 'Hey',
Poetry Sunrise
By Shane Jinadu
kness, r a d r a e n In wake u o y d e h c t I wa nix on e o h p d r a kw with an aw your cheek
a student’s life By Michael Ryder
Well, I’ve finally done it. I’ve finally
in the last LeNurb of the year than late-night train
found a time at which you can get on a
journeys?”
First Great Western train from West Drayton and actually find a seat. Quite
Well frankly, yes I do, and you’ll be pleased to learn that the train journey thing is just a warm up for the big climax that’s coming up in a moment. You
an achievement really, given FGW’s
can all rest assured that it truly is something of a
penny-pinching with their train services
fantastic climax though because it involves a....turtle.
to London, but I’ve somehow done it.
To keep you all in suspense for a little bit longer
I’ve somehow pushed investigative journalism further than it’s ever been before and achieved what some have
though, I think I shall continue with my train-related story and in a roundabout way to reach the point I am trying to make. The reason you see, Barry, David and myself
called the impossible. Yes, I can
were standing in the cold at Slough station in the
officially announce to you all here now
early hours of the morning was, in part at least,
that the best time to get a seat on a train to London is… 00:40.
because FGW are rubbish, but mainly because the three of us had taken something of an impromptu trip to see Simon Amstell do a trial stand-up gig in a small theatre above a dingy pub in Camden. Quite
Well, you didn’t think you would be able to get a seat on a FGW train when other people want to use the train as well now did you? The reason we were all getting a train at 00:40 towards London will be revealed shortly, but needless to say it involved David, Barry and myself and much ‘loving-in-thecold’ at Slough train station in what was certainly the coldest night we’ve had this year. “So what’s all this about then Mike?” I hear ye cry. “Surely, you have better things to write about
the event you might say, and indeed you’d be right. You can no doubt appreciate the enormous magnitude of said event when you come to realise we didn’t even know we were going until 8 o’clock that same evening when Barry rushed into my bedroom and told me the tickets he had bought some months back were for tonight and that if we really rushed, we could just about make it in time. It was a good job then that David was already in Ealing,
A new guest at Bellclose Road: Clive the Turtle
for otherwise with all his faffing about when getting
haven’t the foggiest, but for now at least we have
ready we’d never have made it!
decided that his name is Clive and he lives wherever
What I think this experience reminded me of
we put him in the house. I know some of you out
more than anything is the great joy that can be found
there will probably be thinking it’s probably not the
as a student in the simplest of things. Nights like
best of ideas to leave the care of one of nature’s fine
these, spent doing random things in random places
creatures in the capable hands of my housemates,
on the spur of the moment are what help make
but you will perhaps be surprised to learn that we
student life interesting and certainly go some way
have all really taken the care of ‘Clive the Turtle’ to
towards off-setting the ridiculous fees we pay for the
our hearts, and truth be told we pour more love on
weak return we get. Who’d have thought two years
our little friend than perhaps a turtle should warrant.
ago that I’d be living with a housemate who spends
I mean for a start when we leave the house we are
his entire life dedicated to winding people up, an
always careful to make sure we leave the toilet seat
Irishman obsessed with popcorn and a man (I use
up, and that the turtle is well provided for in terms of
the term in its widest possible sense) who believes
crumbs in the kitchen of pieces of lettuce provided
in unicorns.
from the fridge. At nights we even fill the bath for
Actually, now I come to think about it, there’s actually one more person I should add to the above list of residents at Bellclose Road. I forgot to mention Clive. For the uninitiated out there – and perhaps because I haven’t mentioned this in these pages before – we at Bellclose Road have for a long time been interested in the idea of owning our very own goat. At a push, if no goats were to be available to us, a sheep would have probably done, or even in David’s case, a unicorn. What I did not expect the other day then, was for Tom to come home with his very own turtle. What we’re going to do with it yet, I
him to let him have a bit of a swim. Too much love to give a plastic turtle? I think not!
THE COLOURFUL ROAD TO SUCCESS Amankwa Annorbah-Sarpei
The dawning of the FACE
events such as the ACLT ‘Heroes
heights in their fields. Rather you
festival highlights the
Wanted’ blood drive (Check out
should use their achievement as a
LeNews of Issue 5). This, alongside
platform to support each others’
other events, proves them to be a
dreams and to persevere to great
variation of hues, accents and nationalities that zip
productive and valuable component
heights, to strengthen your
around us frantically on
of Brunel Student body, which also
community but not to exclude
our voyage through
highlights qualities of perseverance
others. No man is an island, for if so
campus. Splashes of
and hard work for its members and
it would be very lonely at the top!
other students that are expected in
Taking pride in one’s self
diversity drench our five senses as we bear
the workplace. All the multiple clubs,
and the people like you is very important and therefore the ACS is
witness to the magnitude
societies, music genres, events and
commended. As they have led by
of variety in which Brunel
friendship groups can make it very
example, you should also extend
offers to us as Students.
easy to become segregated at Uni.
your arms out to others and
However, regardless of these
embrace the diversity which lays
differences, to embrace and be
home at Brunel University.
Brunel ACS (AfricanCaribbean Society) led this year by Francesca Danmole, is a significant element and integral part of Brunel Student life. Being the largest society of its kind in the UK it aims at enhancing the awareness of African and Caribbean Heritage to all through ‘Celebrating and
tolerable of them only enhances your Uni experience and broadens your
Being open minded to the cultures and interests of others is a learning experience and can
“...you should use their achievement as a platform to support each others’ dreams”
Formed by an eclectic mix
mind. John F. Kennedy identified that “If we cannot end now our
of colours and creeds, it champions
differences, at least make the world
beyond the colour of someone’s
safe for diversity” and although
skin, but rather parades a culture of
Brunel is far from being an
strength and passion that aims to
international superpower such as
embrace and overcome. It offers its
America, it has to account for a
members fun opportunities to
cultural diverse student body which
showcase talents and interests, to
we should pay homage to.
network and build skills. They have
This can be achieved
held successful annual events such
through our own actions and
as ‘Homecoming’ which offers a
acknowledging positive images of
stage for poets, designers and
successful men and women. There
singers etc, and even workshops
is a plethora of African and
such as ‘Back to the Future’ which
Caribbean icons out there ranging
exemplifies models of success. Not
from Trevor McDonald to Diana
only does it aim to strengthen the
Abbott to Malorie Blackman and
community in which it is dedicated
many others in different fields of
to, but also aims to integrate
expertise.
students into the broader context of
opportunities for an individual. Maya Angelou once said “that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength”, and this reflects the composition of the
Elevating a Positive Image of Ethnicity’.
open up a world of
But I ask you readers,
Brunel University life. For example,
ethnic minority or ethnic majority
they successfully cooperated with
alike, not to be idle and clouded by
other societies such as the
the success of Obama and other
Entrepreneurs and Hindu Society, for
men and women championing
Brunel Student body, however I ask those more reluctant to embrace and tolerate groups such as the African-Caribbean Society, Hindu Society, Hellenic Society, Islamic Society, Christian Union and the plenty of other clubs and societies Brunel has to offer, to open up your mind and overcome ignorance and allow individual and collective success to prevail!
Travel Photography and words by Adam Boix St. George’s day is celebrated in many other nations and regions around the world apart from England. One such place is Catalunya, a region in north-eastern Spain that surrounds Barcelona. Their patron saint is St. George (St. Jordi in Catalan)as well, but they celebrate St. George’s day in a completely different way. There are street parades and parties that attract huge numbers despite it still being a working day. However the traditional exchanging of gifts between boys and girls is the most significant part of the day. On this day, if a boy is in love with a girl he buys her a rose , and if a girl is in love with a boy then she buys him a book to show his intelligence. This is a fairly simple tradition to honour and one that covers the city with rose and book stalls for the day. My picture above from this year’s St. Jordi’s day is of one of those stalls in the middle of a busy junction, demonstrating how they fit this great tradition in with such a busy working day, to keep St. George’s day special.
Looking back... Recently, I had the tear-inducing y task of compiling my Yearbook entr ,
– I had to go through old pictures selecting ones which were
representative of my Brunel journey; answer a few questions about er memorable experiences and care us goals; and then write my thank-yo and goodbyes. So here I am, suddenly I find myself nearing the end of my on undergrad experience, looking back and the past three years with nostalgia quiet contemplation, wondering if I the appreciated it enough... did I make most of it all? Apart from leaving Brunel with a degree, what have the t past three years meant to me... wha all? have I learnt? Have I changed at e Perhaps surprisingly, the things I valu most from my time at Brunel (obviously aside from the ty!) enhancement of my academic abili are the friendships I have made, and how the experience has changed my outlook – opened my mind. *Cue the sentimental music as I reminisce* When I first started uni, back in 2006, my friendship group was e distinct – I was always with the sam people, we looked the same, spoke the same, and even wore matching I outfits on multiple occasions (horrific a But it!) know – I’m ashamed to admit few months in, after meeting other to students on my course, and getting
,I know the people I shared a flat with t found that the more I discovered abou
was deeply engrossed in a debate with eight other people who had been complete strangers to me
before joining my table, about the pending presidential election, whether
them, the more I uncovered about myself: who knew I was a natural at Bollywood dancing, an expert at the
or not Obama could really win, and what that would mean to each of us n personally and culturally – four Asia students, three Black, one Chinese
art of origami (which has kept me very of entertained during the more tedious
and one White. Of course, I left the library that evening with only fifteen
my lectures), and that I find Nigerian Nollywood movies scarier than
d words added to my report, and ende up being almost two hours late to my
Jeepers Creepers! Thanks to my neighbours, I can add all that to the ‘hobbies/talent’ section of my CV!
of friend’s 21st! But it was worth it, two the people I met that day helped me transport four suitcases to my car the
Outside of halls, another unexpected place I always seem to
other day for the Easter break(!), and k still speak to the others on Faceboo
make friends is in the library. In first year the library was ‘The Jam,’ but now as a final year student, this plac has become my second home!
and got to work. No less than half an hour later, I
sometimes.
e
*Reminiscence over* I often hear people say, ‘show
to Although nowadays, I often retreat the library to escape my noisy
me who your friends are, and I’ll show you who you are,’ and it makes me
neighbours in the hope of peace and quiet, I hardly ever find myself in the
smile. My friends, and fellow Brunel alumni, are a representative
a red zone. I think absolute silence is of bit nerve-wracking – it reminds me
microcosm of the UK today, progressive, dynamic, diverse.
an exam hall, and I always seem to find myself distracted by people y coming in and out of the area, ever of time the door opens I lose my train thought. At the beginning of last of November, I had the last 800 words a 2,500 word assignment due in two days and decided I’d complete it in d
one afternoon in the library, so I coul go out and celebrate a friend’s 21st that evening. Sitting alone at a sixseater table, I spread my books out
I
Our uni is home to over thirty societies and clubs that students can become involved in which promote unity and cultural exchange – looking back now, I really regret only joining one! And apart from that, you can meet new people everywhere! I genuinely think we don’t realise how h lucky we are... as my mum says, yout is wasted on the young! By Camilla Robinson
Le Sport Rugby League: Most improved club 08/09
for the season took a severe knock with a huge list of injuries
By Ryan Lewis & Leon Carter
in the first four games; including four of our most experienced
The university's Rugby League side, Brunel Barbarians,
players who were so badly injured they were forced to quit
has had a tough first season in the BUCS league to say the
Rugby for good. As a result we found ourselves often barely
least! Things looked promising after the first game - a
scraping together a team in the first few months - and trust
friendly with Aberystwyth University Exiles where we
us, it’s not ideal to go without replacements in a game so
triumphed 22-16 and 17 members signed up in time for our
physically demanding.
first competitive match, enough for a full squad. However, our aims
ze – Team itle) & Bron National T Kumite u – Gold – onstantino • Lee C ational (holding N Team Kata Kumite nze – Team Title) & Bro Littek • James old – arshall – G • Matt M lding Kumite (Ho Individual itle) National T Gold – Mathieu – s s • Ro lding Kumite (Ho Individual – Team itle), Bronze National T Kumite Silver – chanjala – • Will N Kumite Individual old – Team l Peat – G • Danie al Title), ing Nation Kata (hold & Bronze am Kumite Te – ze n Bro l Kata – Individua ronze – Squire – B • Jamie ite Team Kum Kata & hies – Team p • 2 Tro in the UK Best club
nd just ch other a to know ea also got g out. We rally chillin ! e n e e s g r k a ks rsity arate other unive t e e Karate likaic m la ut it to ja n Ncha ith them, b By Wil m and talk w s m m a a I e was , n te e o m ry sent ti that eve d e m e e At this pre s it . Our always , sorry if begin with r exams so g for us to t it u in n p revising fo n u to g t u B ’ it rushed. in the ‘Kata seems a b dominance e went and turday w a , S d e e in th a n tr ent titions o e w p simply: we rk ant m o o c w f o that we me red! A lot d everyone e 2 w ued g we conque o n in h ti d s n lu o c c cess in is trend th d n a s s , into the pro e aining busin tions on gruelling tr e’ competi it t m a u e ‘K P l e months of ie to th lso athan which we a f Sensei N Sunday in courtesy o su e it for th -J u is b g o in K ne th ansha inated in. O us of the ‘Yud m o ld d to n e e v H e ’. e eration year will b t ch Karate fed sure, next know wha as our coa w e h t a th people will s a r e e n h e th explicitly g h g u to urin inst w r teacher d ing up aga and not ou ey are com as he th d e at) with w (m o h i’ s d this e ‘tatam th r r u o te n d e n training an y o y e th be some of us Brunel. K pushed us y, it was a d the mighty e th lub in the U f o d n e e th d st karate c n t e a B !) y e a h d T limits. A ry e (almost ev e isted of; the training s) that gav team cons ile m Silver – (5 s n ru e c s Adams – n ri ra h C to endu • th g n e up) the str Kumite us (as a gro Individual to BUCS m a te – Gold – n o rs pe nd nia Alfaioli a Ta ls a bring a 10 d • e m 6 e (holding way with 1 te idual Kumit ra iv a d k and walk a In t s e b r– (one being itle) & Silve 2 trophies National T ll as the e w s a ) K U Kata club in the Individual als won in – most med e th Blee – Gold r n fo n o o s ti a rd J ti e p reco • m ational o c e (holding N am at th ta te a s K l rt a o u p s id any Indiv olding !) am Kata (h tics (Go us Te le – th A ld o d g n n G a ti ), at bea Title elf was gre The trip its getting m a te a s onded a we really b
Slowly though, we have recuperated and began to build
easy, but a qualification spot looked possible. A top 15
on the basics ready to push forwards. Membership has
finish would see one of the 100 racers go through to the
swelled to just under 40, many of whom are new to
final. With start numbers of 80-84 we were already
Rugby League - and some to Rugby altogether! Recent
looking at a disadvantage. Faced with an increasingly
results have been promising too - there was an
rutted course Capt. Owen was first out the gate and
agonizing loss against Warwick University (12-18), and
looked set for a quick time till a fresh patch of ice saw an
the team has scored 4 or more tries in its last 4 games!
end to any chances of a qualification spot, thrown wide
Off the pitch the team has seen nothing but
he lost speed and time putting him 2 seconds behind the
positives. Our committee has received plaudits from the
leaders and in 38th place. Xander Marrit, Nick Monk and
RFL and Student Rugby League; a tour to Blackpool
Matt Gross all tried to better the course but a top 30
filled with Rugby, drinking and rollercoasters was a great
finish was the best we could manage, not bad for the
success; and joint socials with Horse Riding and
first year of a fledgling Race Team !
Women's Hockey have been successful!
Time for the boarders. The icy over-ridden track was now becoming dangerous and unforgiving, as
BUISC, Xscape Milton Keynes, 25/02/09
several boarders missed gates, or caught edges and got
By Alison Louise Kenny
a face full of snow. But not for Brunel, Luke Ogden,
An early start for the Brunel Snow Race Team as we
Roland Skinner, David Elmer and Sam Middlewood all
impatiently waited on one of our racers to scramble out
finished, to gain some well deserved BUCS points!
of bed, who inevitably provided morning entertainment
Seasoned boarder and resident OAP Baden Knifton
in his hung-over state as he clumsily stumbled onto the
grabbed a glorious second place to qualify for the
departing minibus. It turns out ‘going on the lash’ a
Castelford final. Needless to mention, special
night before one of the biggest snow sport races isn’t
congratulations to Sam Middlewood who managed to
the best idea! Fear not, the Race Team’s preparation for
set a personal best of completing the course without
the British Universities Indoor Snow Sports
being disqualified. One step at a time!
Championships (BUISC) did not merely consist of
P.S…BUISC, Castleford, 04/03/09
alcohol assisted socials, but thorough race training and
After a lengthy 5-hour solo trek up to Castleford,
fitness sessions. The Race team were raring to go,
post-graduate ‘keano’ Baden Knifton was ready to roll.
excited by the mere sight of snow and engulfed by the
Having done extremely well in the qualifiers, he relied on
competition factor (perfectly demonstrated by Northern
his years of experience and a little luck (he’s only human)
Luke’s wacky singing). The race was on, and we were
to show the UK student snow sports scene what he’s
not only challenged by the zigzag icy slalom courses,
really made of. Brunel sent one man to conquer all, and
but by some of Britain’s top seeded racers!
so he did. Now, not just a Brunelian boarder, but the
Milton Keynes’ ‘SNO!Zone’ welcomed hundreds of
best boarder in the whole of the UK! Topping the list with
skiers from all over southern England for this regional
an electric time of 15:43 seconds, Baden Knifton struck
qualifier. The format was simple, 15 minutes to inspect
gold, leaving the rest of the boarder slalom riders coated
the course, 15 seconds to prove you’re the best your Uni
in snow. A massive congratulations to Baden for his
has to offer. Hosted by BUSC (British Universities Snow
outstanding achievement and to all Brunel competitors
Sports Committee), this regional qualifying event was
who took part. Bring on next year!
well organised and had a buzzing atmosphere. Ladies first. Being the only female skier brave (and stupid) enough to race, I stood at the top of the run,
TamBrunel in the European Championships
watching the first few seeded girls attack the course
By Jason Littlefield
aggressively, so much so that the slalom poles kept
It began with all the England and Scotland men’s
being ripped out the ground. Intimidated and
and women’s teams all meeting at Stanstead for an early
challenged, I gave it my best shot, being careful to not
flight out to Sardinia. After meets and greets, and
lose control, but gain as much speed as possible. My
reunions of friends, all the players boarded the flight to
cruising run put me in the top 30, but that unfortunately
the European championships held in windswept
wasn’t enough to qualify for the finals.
mountains to Oristano. After a nights rest, the games
Similarly, our skiing army of gentlemen did not
started with an opening ceremony with honourable
disappoint, setting some brilliant times as well as
guests including members of CONI (Comitato Olimpico
personal bests. Having only started race training last
Nazionale Italia) and the mayor of Oristano.
October, and the fact they were up against some of the best racers the UK has to offer it was never going to be
For those not in the know, Tamburello is a court
Mac had Formula One fans old and new alike, up at the
game that is over 400 years old, similar to tennis, but
crack of dawn on March 29th for the start of the new
involving tambourine-like ‘racquets’ and no net. The first
Season, where anything could happen (and usually
match included two of our very own Brunel University
does!).
students, Jason Littlefield (2nd Year Sports Science) and
One British driver stands out from all the rest
Malcolm Heyes (2nd Year Sports Science), who both play
already… however it isn’t the reigning World Champion. It
at TamBrunel on Thursday evenings from 4.30. Jason and
seems the ball is firmly in the court of our forgotten son,
Malcolm were playing for the Scotland Men’s team, the
Jenson Button, who finally looks forward to a season
game was against Catalonia. This match ended with a
with a winning car.
loss of 13-6. To up the defeated sprits, the local spectators
Writing shortly before the Spanish Grand Prix, the first in the “European season”, Brawn GP, the fairytale of
celebrated by flattering the Scottish team after the game
Formula One, sit high on top of the Constructor’s World
taking photos and asking for autographs. The next game
Championship table after four events. Jenson Button, in
was against the formidable finalists France. The loss of
turn, sits atop of the Driver’s table, with three wins out of
13-2 was only justified by France going on to compete in
a possible four. Not a bad start considering just two
the final against Italy. The last stand was against
months ago, he didn’t have a job this season.
Germany, the game which surprised most of the umpires
It’s amazing that a team that have been left in the
by lasting a good hour. The score went up and down like
cold when Honda pulled out of the sport in early
a yoyo, ending with a final burst by the Germans to
December due to the global economic crisis, have
defeat Scotland 13-11, a very close match indeed.
managed to keep the drive and passion that’s got them
With all games lost there was one last thing to do for
to the grid complete with a winning car. As a lifelong
Jason and Malcolm to do, which was to enjoy the island
Formula One fan, I personally hope that they can
and watch the upcoming carnival from the comfort of the
maintain their performance throughout the season, along
hotel balcony. The streets were lined
with the resurgent Toyota
with sand and straw ready for the annual
and Red Bull teams who
Sartiglia, a medieval tournament now
seem to eventually be
celebrated as a carnival. In this, the
getting up to speed,
most surreal masked horsemen gallop
following years of
their horses at full pace through the
investment for very little
street doing acrobatics and trying to
return.
pluck stars out of the sky. People
Let us all hope that the
packed the pavements and temporary
New Era of Formula One,
bleachers were set up outside shops to
complete with British
watch the horsemen. It was a spectacle
Drivers at the front of the
not to be missed.
pack consistently, can
Even though all games were lost, it was the enjoyment of being on the island and meeting
continue for many years to come.
the people in the tournament that made it somewhat of an anticlimax when the aeroplane experienced
Brunel Equestrian Club
turbulence through the clouds whilst landing at
By Laura Smith and Kayla Garland
Stanstead.
As two Freshers we took part in the trials against
Come and play Tambourello at TamBrunel and it
new and old members and managed to both make the
could be you going next year representing your country,
University’s Equestrian A TEAM!! We currently have two
however if you just fancy a hit about and check out what
teams that compete for Brunel, however, with the rising
the game is all about you’re more than welcome!
number of members this year, next year we will be able to have three! But it’s not all competing, our club also offers lessons - group or individual - and events such as mini
The Dawn of a New Era
league jumping and dressage for members to attend,
By Ben Vallely
which so far have been a great success.
Welcome to Formula One 2009…The Chain has not
Having only been in the club for just short of a year
been broken, and the BBC have the coverage back
we already felt comfortable enough to run for committee
where it belongs. Their iconic theme tune from Fleetwood
positions for next year with Laura successful as Treasurer and Kayla becoming Club Captain!
We are not only about riding though... Our social events
horse in order to try and win overall to make it to
are not to be missed! All members of our club were very
Regional’s, then hopefully Nationals!
welcoming, which came as a bit of a surprise after
This year gave great opportunities to improve our
experiencing how snobby horse riders really can be but
riding ability as, after each dressage test we got some
we are all the same, normal students who can never
feedback from the judges to help us improve for the next
seem to afford anything.
competition. It was a great confidence booster when we
Some of our social events have included club meals
came 1st at our home competition and the morale in our
in restaurants, takeaways, going for drinks, themed
team was high as we continued to do well throughout
nights out – last time we were Pirates! - cake sales to
the competitions. Unfortunately, this year neither team
raise money for RAG and our theme night at the
made it to Regional’s, but this only means that we can
Academy.
improve for next year with new members potentially
Joining the club in Freshers’ week, we found it beneficial to settling in to Uni life with the committee
improving the teams! In order to train for the competitions we have a nice
helping organise lessons and socials to keep us all busy
little yard called Littlebourne, a twenty minute bus ride
and push away those initial, but short, home sickness
from town. It offers a range of lessons to all abilities and
feelings. We have met some of our closest friends
we have organised fun events for those who do not want
through the riding club! (Corny but true)
to try out for a team, but enjoy the riding!
If you make a team at trials, then this means that
Overall, joining the team for us was a great
you, as a team of four individuals, have to ride against
opportunity for us to get stuck in and meet new people.
three other Universities. The competitions are based at
It was also a great hobby to continue at Brunel, and for
each Uni and you will ride for four competitions. Each
all those out there that have never tried it before, it’s a
competition shows your ability to work as a team and as
great opportunity to start something new!
an individual to ride as well as you can on a strange
gainst conspire a ometimes s n luck, and some rotte t r s e fa ft a is d it n u a you, or circ ended the The outdo ree teams ly British e th v e lo th e 9th th d eason in 2 fun, an akes it pionship s m m s a y h t of a c lw o a ) r 50th (C u ou weathe e minute y 5th (B) and n 4 o ), s (A a g n ti dry interes ng teams. round on a 52 competi as e pounding b u n o a this year h y c te llely ext minu The aim of n e th h d By Ben Va lis n a b track, marily esta stop your been to pri club, and be trying to s ld to a u e h o u c it d r an official p a u s e a y g s a in e t m a lv a h e rd ours or ste Well, w drive forwa helmet vis ing to Club. After next year to e a legacy ll whilst try runel Kart a n e , B r in th fo ra l n a e s ti e v b dent’ torren p to lea an ith the Stu and develo of the control of ulting a mix-up w g s in in re p rt e a rs e k a k e o the majority y g n s e e u h W io ! w v rt t, re a a p k th g a year Union in aquaplanin graduate in possible, l set-up e a lly te it a it v ic f m s o y m s h o s p c e club to b in the lo as often as so if enables th t, , s nel Kart Clu w re o ru n te B , in m rk n o o o fr time k strength. paperw depending ground in every wee trength to s e o g th m o ff to fr o h t o is o g a club finally g members w want to join ’ll do trips re 2008! e u y w o a ) y F to If s r’ rd e o h ff e socialising for Fres (and can a cing, love unded by th ra to s e a v lo re t e a w ! th k We ave fun, ith 50 every wee etitive side to simply h t as well, w p o e g v m o e lo c w d a n e a s is us out at There respon for our not check e teams g y re h in th w in h n jo it e w rs th , t the , the nonmembe to the club seems tha Fayre 2009 alification it u rs r; Q e a h is e e s y th l re F ra to inaugu of the club rite entering in ity Kart titive side rs least favou e e p ’s iv e m n e o te U v c it ti h ti m s Com a Lewis compe for the Briti KC). After fun as the orld, a Mr. U s w a (B e t nly s th ip o h ju in s u n o r y e driv that of our Champio nd we state ctually one me good a a o , s is e s h , id a it n s o n w e ilt y, ft Ham as o es to ark hairy da go Karting hen it com uckmore P to w B s e t v d a a n h n ie ’s w y fr o d t o bes racing d in our ord to, nob s up interest you can aff three team it, as we to drumming in u o in Kent, all g y y, leavin to force lif a g u in Q o e’ll g to ! d rt r spo ave fun! W manage ledge Moto very few t want to h s f o ju e ll n a o We acknow s ly y a ms Brunel so we on answer an e three tea xpensive, st be happy to ities to hav ur rs fo e ! Racing is e s iv ip n ip h ay have, ju s U tr n g ons you m l” Kartin Champio ti ia s e c e th o u q “s to n in o go ing entered owever, h. Motor Rac s a term. H get in touc ue with all to tr n or five time is w o s d A re tu n ts e n v e o m d e ele when we t Sandown however, th a Circuit a . d the Dayton be ha of fun can Park, a lot
rt Brunel Ka Club
SPORT FOR ALl By Dan Ross Whether your favourite was
have been at the forefront of
raise the public’s awareness and
the men's basketball victory
disability sport internationally for
knowledge of disability sport, and
over the USA in the bronze
the last decade or so, Britain must
to start to provide the
medal play-off, Lee Pearson’s
now ensure that when it comes to
acknowledgement that disabled
9th successive gold medal in
building on success they do not get
sportspeople and paralympians
dressage, or 13-year-old Eleanor left in the starting blocks (pun
deserve. It was disappointing to
Simmonds’ first gold medal in
intended). We are now, as a nation,
see every gold-medalist from the
the ‘Water Cube’, Team GB
in the perfect position to push
Olympic team receive some sort of
created many magical moments
disability sports forward with the
honour in the New Year’s list, whilst
in September last year, in what
2012 Paralympics coming to
17 golden Paralympians were
was lauded as the greatest ever
London.
omitted. It would be fantastic to
Paralympic Games. Great Britain
Unlike many other places,
see greater coverage of disability
finished a terrific second in the
Brunel University has not rested on
sport on television in the build-up
table after amassing 102
its laurels, recognising the
to 2012, particularly considering
medals, 6 more golds than the
importance of the development of
our obvious wealth of talent. It
USA, and more than doubling
facilities, access and support, and
would also be great to see more
the total of their more able-
last year it was announced by the
promotional opportunities for the
bodied compatriots at the
London 2012 Organising
sports and their stars –
Olympic Games a month earlier.
Committee (LOCOG) that Brunel is
appearances on popular
to be included in the Paralympic
programmes like ‘A Question of
the likes of China and the Ukraine
However, the performances of
Pre-Games Training Camp Guide.
Sport’ would help make these more
in Beijing highlighted Britain’s lack
Over £250m has been spent on
mainstream. And, though it is
of improvement upon their medal
facilities at a University already
slowly beginning to improve, more
haul in Athens, and showed this
proud of its diversity and inclusivity
integration and easy access for
was in stark contrast to many
– celebrated in the highly
anyone to quality sporting facilities
competing nations. Yes, Team GB
successful wheelchair basketball
should be a priority, as should
impressed in Beijing, but are we
exhibition matches in previous ‘One
quality coaching.
improving? Or just relying upon the
World’ weeks, run by the Brunel
generation we developed whilst
Dyslexia and Disability Service.
organisations don’t make full use of
many nations could not?
Brunel also recognises that
the resources available to them, it
scouting should be a priority,
doesn’t mean that you can’t! Check
catching on, and disabled athletes
having hosted successful ‘Talent
out the advanced facilities you have
across the globe seem to be
Identification Days’ as part of their
at your fingertips as a Brunel
receiving the training they require
2012 programme.
student, and make use of them.
The rest of the world is
to gain elite status, and the recognition they deserve. Whilst we
But hosting such a major event is also the perfect opportunity to
But even if the sporting
As former physiotherapist lecturer at Brunel, and Team GB
Paralympic physio Linda Mitchell
at anything until they have
even if you aren’t going be starring
said before the Beijing Paralympics :
practiced, but until you have a go
at London 2012, make sure you take
you won't know if you can do it, or
advantage of the benefits it will
are so important to general health
whether it's something that you
provide and put your best foot
and well-being… My
enjoy.’
forward (again, pun intended).
‘The benefits of regular exercise
recommendation would be to give a
There is no better place than
few sports a try to find out what you
University, and no better time than
like. Remember that no one is good
now to get involved in sport – so